7 Almost Unknown Google Search Engines You Should Use

Ted Nash — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:01:12 +0000

Last week we covered some fun Google Easter Eggs, that you can find while browsing the site. This week, to take a more academic approach, we are going to cover 7 almost unknown specialized Google search engines that can be used for specialized consumer and academic research.

Also included in this realm, but not within this post are Google Video, Pictures, News and Blogs which most users will already be familiar with so we have not included them in the list below.

Google Patent Search

Its amazing that a database like this exists, but most people don’t even know about it. Google has taken it upon themselves to fully index and cross-reference over 7 million patents of past and present. Complete with drawings, cross references and similarities to other patents, there are many lifetimes of explorations to be had.

For example, you can see Albert Einstein’s patent application for a blouse or John Logie Baird’s application for the device which would later go on to become the world’s first television set. There are many more.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is an interesting experiment with mixed results as it can bring you information about books and academic articles related to your topic of deep query. However sometimes the results that it finds will either be behind an academic password/pay wall or be a link to a book which is not available online. Nevertheless it is a great research point for deep interest on a subject.

Google Books

Already known to many, Google Books has taken the liberty to scan and partially make available online thousands of books. Their system is very interesting as they allow you to view certain pages of a book at any one time (usually about 20% of the book).

However if you really want to see the book and not buy it through one of Google’s affiliate links then you can reload the page from a different IP address and different sections of the book will show up. Keep doing this until you get the whole work. Also note that they have quite the database of magazines as well under similar terms.

Google Catalogs

Yes they are mad information monsters. Google has went ahead and scanned almost every print catalog they can find. Need to check that Sears Catalog and don’t have your copy handy? Don’t worry Google has it all ready for you online.

Google Products

Yes, Google has a price comparison engine as well. Enter any product that you are looking for and Google will show you hundreds of places to buy it and the lowest price. They just want the whole pie.

Google University Search

Not as much as a custom database as the others, but more of a help for students and faculty. Google University Search allows easy filtering and searching of resources from various US Universities.

US Government Search

Not of much use to our friends overseas, though don’t worry, I am sure they are indexing as we speak. Google has a specially filtered US Government search engine to help you find that information you need without all the noise.

What sources do you use (can be non-Google) to research and find specialty information? Do you use a source that does the job better than the engines mentioned above? If so please leave it in the comment section.

Google picture by Gonzalo Fernández

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Related posts

5 smoking-hot US Government Websites Worth Looking At

Mark O'Neill — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:20:16 +0000

OK, you can quit yawning. As soon as you heard the phrase “US Government websites”, you probably thought I was going to take you on a riveting ride through the complexities of the Internal Revenue Service. Au contraire, mon ami. Perhaps you didn’t realise until now that there are actually some really smoking hot websites built and maintained by the US Federal Government with your tax dollars.

1. Federal Bureau of Investigation

Being a true-crime fan, the FBI website is a regular stop for me. Not only does the FBI use their site as a recruitment tool but they also discuss closed cases and they take you “behind the scenes” so to speak to let you see how the Feds cracked the case. Here is a good example.

You can also learn about the various FBI departments, the history of the FBI, and of course view the famous Most Wanted Lists.

But what really makes the FBI website stand out is how much you can download. Scattered throughout the site are PDF downloads of cases, forensic science subjects and much more. All now we need is a FBI badge generator and an alien costume and we can play Mulder and Scully!

2. Central Intelligence Agency

At first glance, you might think there isn’t much to the CIA website but there are some interesting sections.

For example, take a virtual tour through CIA Headquarters, view an encrypted monument at Langley to see if you can break the code, go on a virtual tour around the CIA Museum, but the best feature of all is the annually updated CIA World Factbook. Never be bad at geography ever again. You can even download a copy of the Factbook free of charge.

But if you’re looking for files on who killed JFK, you’ll be disappointed.

3. Library of Congress

One of the most famous libraries in the world and now it’s online. Browse through documents and collections. “American Memory” provides access to documents, maps, audio, video and photos. Search through past and current legislation making its way through Congress. Oh and if you’re planning a personal visit to the LOC, check out what they are currently exhibiting.

4. National Archives

For those with an interest in history, this site is a must-go-to. The amount of information available here to view and to download is just staggering. So it’s impossible to cover it all here. A few highlights though -

View and download a high-resolution scan of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

Make online visits to the Presidential Libraries, view the documents of the White House and subscribe by RSS feed to “Document of the Day”.

5. NASA

As well as a true-crime fan, I am also a Trekkie, so NASA is another of my favourite websites. View the Interactive Features section to see space-related material including photos, slide shows, videos and podcasts. Subscribe by RSS feed to “NASA Image of the Day”, view the NASA World Book and read up on past and current missions. One small step for me, one big download for my PC.

Do you have a favourite government website not included in the list above? Tell us about it in the comments!

Posted by Mark O’Neill